Strength training question

holybell

I just started doing a full body workout with a combination of compound and isolation exercises twice a week. (Adding the 3rd day after I get a habit started. Don't want to scare myself off.)

Should I be progressively increasing the weight like how others recommend even though my goal isn't mainly strength? And how much to increase?

SuggaD

I do full body 3 days a week. I increase my weights as I am able. Works for me.

holybell

amyrebeccah wrote: »

What is your goal? And what kind of program are you doing?

I found a full body dumbbell workout for beginners on Bodybuilding.com that is working okay with me. (On 2nd day so far and feeling a lot better then other times) My goal is mainly to cut or lose fat. I don't mind gaining muscle and strength but I don't know if I should be progressing a certain way with the weights depending on my goal.

hill8570

Go with progressive loading for now. Once you reach the end of the newbie gains (a couple of months or so), you'll probably plateau or progress very slowly as long as you are in deficit. Don't freak at that point -- just don't worry about progressing any more until you're willing to feed yourself enough to build muscle.

holybell

amyrebeccah wrote: »

holybell wrote: »

amyrebeccah wrote: »

What is your goal? And what kind of program are you doing?

I found a full body dumbbell workout for beginners on Bodybuilding.com that is working okay with me. (On 2nd day so far and feeling a lot better then other times) My goal is mainly to cut or lose fat. I don't mind gaining muscle and strength but I don't know if I should be progressing a certain way with the weights depending on my goal.

The program should give you an idea of how and when to progress. If it doesn't give you details, work on some incremental increases, as long as you can do the weights with proper form. If you stop being able to use good form, drop back for the next session, and keep going. Either increase by a smaller amount or if that's not possible, increase a couple of reps for that session.

This is true whether you want to cut weight or not. Progressive strength training will help preserve muscle as you lose. You will not gain muscle mass without a calorie surplus. Because you are beginning, you may have a small amount of what are called "newb gains." Those do not last. You may also have some temporary water retention in your muscles, making them look and feel "pumped." This also does not last.

Thanks! Just the answer I was looking for! Wish I could actually see those gains though. Too much fat. XD

Sarah4fitness

holybell wrote: »

amyrebeccah wrote: »

holybell wrote: »

amyrebeccah wrote: »

What is your goal? And what kind of program are you doing?

I found a full body dumbbell workout for beginners on Bodybuilding.com that is working okay with me. (On 2nd day so far and feeling a lot better then other times) My goal is mainly to cut or lose fat. I don't mind gaining muscle and strength but I don't know if I should be progressing a certain way with the weights depending on my goal.

The program should give you an idea of how and when to progress. If it doesn't give you details, work on some incremental increases, as long as you can do the weights with proper form. If you stop being able to use good form, drop back for the next session, and keep going. Either increase by a smaller amount or if that's not possible, increase a couple of reps for that session.

This is true whether you want to cut weight or not. Progressive strength training will help preserve muscle as you lose. You will not gain muscle mass without a calorie surplus. Because you are beginning, you may have a small amount of what are called "newb gains." Those do not last. You may also have some temporary water retention in your muscles, making them look and feel "pumped." This also does not last.

Thanks! Just the answer I was looking for! Wish I could actually see those gains though. Too much fat. XD

Newbie gains are not always measured visually, unless your bodyfat is super low to begin with. Watch how fast your'e able to increase in your lifts, either in reps or in weight. The above post (killer post, btw!) is perfect. Lift as heavy as you can with CORRECT FORM, and while yes, you'll be sore, you'll progress quite quickly at first, which in and of itself can feel very rewarding.